We have yet to see a full unveiling of Microsoft’s Project Scorpio but at least one analyst is already optimistic about the hardware’s launch in the US. NPD Group’s Mat Piscatella has told Games Industry that the buzz surrounding Scorpio has the potential to help Xbox One outsell PlayStation 4 in the country this year.
I remain bullish on the Scorpio in the US market, particularly in the launch year. I think Scorpio has the potential to push Xbox One sales ahead of the PS4 in the US in 2017. Adoption among the core gaming audience could be significant. And, while this is a niche audience to target, it’s the niche which is necessary to put the Scorpio on the path for longer term mass market adoption.
Piscatella then went on to reiterate what many others have already said; Microsoft needs to work on its software lineup because tech specs alone aren’t going to cut it, especially given the speculation surrounding Scorpio’s price tag.
No matter how amazing the tech specs are, if attractive content doesn’t show up, the mass market won’t adopt. In addition, if we happen to have another E3 2006 style ‘five hundred and ninety nine US dollars’ moment the outlook gets murkier.
In response to a comment from a reader, Piscatella stressed that the possibility of Xbox One edging out PS4’s sales would depend on the games lineup and “a number of other caveats.”
What do our readers think of this?
[Source: Games Industry]
